What is the Global Scale of English?

The Global Scale of English (GSE) is the first truly global English language standard, allowing teachers to more accurately and easily measure learner progress.

Based on research involving over 6000 teachers from more than 50 countries, it extends the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) by pinpointing on a scale from 10 to 90 what needs to be mastered for the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing within a CEFR level, using a more granular approach.

Specific GSE resources then help teachers select the right learning objectives, grammar and vocabulary required for their learners to move onto the next level.

It's a more effective way of selecting the right lesson, course materials or assessments at the right time.

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Use the Global Scale of English in your classroom with our GSE Teacher Toolkit.

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How does it help?

Teachers are able to use a common framework from which to measure learner progress on a local, national or international level, one which provides tools that guide them in identifying areas for focus and creating appropriate lesson content. 

Learners benefit by having a clear understanding of what needs to be mastered at each CEFR level, keeping them motivated.

The GSE helps learners answer:

  • How good is my English?
  • Am I progressing?
  • What do I need to do next?

 

 

gse ecosystem

The Global Scale of English Solution

The GSE is designed to support curriculum design, courseware and assessment decisions. We have aligned teaching and learning materials and assessments to help you to select the most appropriate resources.

global scale of english ecosystem

Scale

The Global Scale of English runs from 10 - 90, with clear statements for what a learner can achieve in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing at any point on the scale.

gse learning objectives

Learning Objectives

The GSE Learning Objectives are critical in that they provide context for teachers and learners – LOs describe what learners can do at each level of proficiency.

gse courseware

Courseware

Pearson courseware has been developed using Global Scale of English Learning Objectives, so you can be sure that your learners are at the right level.

gse assessment

Assessment

Institutions can develop their own assessment materials with help from the GSE Learning Objectives and assessment frameworks, or choose one of Pearson's assessments.

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View Learning Objectives

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The Global Scale of English represents the most significant advance in performance-based approaches to language learning, teaching and assessment since the development of the Common European Framework of Reference.

- David Nunan Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Applied Linguistics University of Hong Kong

Benefits of the Global Scale of English

Curriculum Design

Using the scale alongside the GSE Teacher Toolkit helps teachers find resources to create or tailor their existing curriculum, simplifying the task.

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Lesson Planning

Use the free GSE Teacher Toolkit to find learning objectives, along with vocabulary and grammar resources.

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Measuring Progress

The granular nature of the scale, set alongside the broader levels of the CEFR, helps motivate students as they see progress more often, even within a level.

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Who can benefit?

Our Research & Expertise

The Global Scale of English is the culmination of the most comprehensive, on-going academic research ever conducted in the field, involving over 6,000 teachers from 50+ countries.

We have a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) who provide their expertise in language testing, psychometrics and teaching, as well as offering advice and critical assessment. 

The papers in our research series cover a wide range of research projects, from exploring how the Learning Objectives were developed to the creation of GSE job profiles.

 

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Case Studies

Our case studies highlight how the GSE can be used to improve teaching performance and achieve learning objectivies. 

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Welcome to the Global Scale of English (GSE) blog

You'll find content from our local and international teaching and curriculum design experts. We will gather practical ideas on how you can use the GSE to support you own teaching and learning.

We hope that you find useful tips to help motivate and inspire your learners, raise standards in teaching English, adapt your content, and choose the right materials to boost your learners' confidence.

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Start using the GSE with our free GSE Teacher Toolkit

The GSE Teacher Toolkit contains all four sets of Learning Objectives (aligned to both the GSE and the CEFR), GSE Grammar and GSE Vocabulary in a single, searchable online database.

A recent survey of over 200 teachers using the GSE Teacher Toolkit in the classroom found:

  • 74% have used it to select appropriate vocabulary & grammar
  • 67% have used it to create supplementary materials
  • and 66% have used it to plan lessons.  

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teacher toolkit global scale of english gse
teacher toolkit gse global scale of english